Yes, until a better alternative is developed.

Splitting up is often very ugly and it is difficult for parents to separate their feelings toward their former partner enough to actually come to a fair arrangement for the children involved. A judge can help determine the best placement for the child. While this is not an ideal situation, it works until a better solution can be found.

Yes. Custody cases need a neutral third party.

The courts should be involved in child custody cases because the parents or guardians are unable to come up with a reasonable solution on their own. Courts have no personal interest in the life of a child which makes them a fair place to go to for a decision. Courts should always look at the best interest of the child while parents and guardians are not always able to do so with personal emotions getting in the way.